Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X4 9450e

Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X4 9450e Performance Spectrum

Core i3-4020Y

2 / 4

1,448

0.0%

1,455

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X4 9450e FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X4 9450e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-4020Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4200, while Phenom X4 9450e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,448 vs 1,455).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Phenom X4 9450e

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $450 MSRP, while Core i3-4020Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4020Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X4 9450e better than Core i3-4020Y?

Yes. Phenom X4 9450e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom X4 9450e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X4 9450e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Phenom X4 9450e is the better buy right now. Phenom X4 9450e comes in at an unclear MSRP at $450 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (3.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4020Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X4 9450e Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-4020Y

The Core i3-4020Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,448 points. Launch price was $304.

Phenom X4 9450e

The Phenom X4 9450e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,455 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4020Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9450e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9450e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Core i3-4020Y versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X4 9450e — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9450e. The Core i3-4020Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9450e uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4020Y scores 1,448 against the Phenom X4 9450e's 1,455 — a 0.5% lead for the Phenom X4 9450e. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4020Y vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9450e.

Feature	Core i3-4020Y	Phenom X4 9450e
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.5 GHz	2.1 GHz+40%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,448	1,455

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4020Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9450e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4020Y	Phenom X4 9450e
Socket	FCBGA1168	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-4020Y) / not specified (Phenom X4 9450e). The Core i3-4020Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4200), while the Phenom X4 9450e requires a dedicated GPU.